The National Institute of Emergency Medicine (INEM) is the Ministry of Health organisation responsible for coordinating the Integrated Medical Emergency System in mainland Portugal, so as to provide the victims of accidents and sudden illness with swift and effective health care. INEM’s main tasks are to provide care in loco, to provide transport by ambulance to an appropriate hospital and to act as a link between the different organisations involved in the system. Called into action by the national emergency number (112), INEM is able to offer an appropriate and effective response to medical emergencies at any time of day or night.